ADDITIONAL NOTES:renewed through the 2017-18 season (the show's 12th of 26 episodes) on 5/23/17

DESCRIPTION:(from Nickelodeon's press release, May 2017) Nickelodeon today announced that SpongeBob SquarePants, the number-one animated show for kids 2-11 and kids 6-11, has been greenlit for season 12. The 26-episode pick up will further the nautical adventures of SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends Patrick, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, Plankton and Squidward. Season 12 is scheduled to premiere in 2019, the series' 20th anniversary year. The pickup comes on the heels of the recent announcement for a third SpongeBob SquarePants theatrical from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, also slated for 2019. SpongeBob SquarePants, the most-watched animated program with kids for more than 15 consecutive years, will debut season 11 later this summer, and feature the return of fan favorite characters including: the mischievous pencil-drawing Doodle Bob; SpongeBob's friend and creation Bubble Buddy; the super villain Man Ray; and Cave SpongeBob, who made his debut in season one.